The horror threequel, with the popular Tom Hardy in the titular role, benefited from the big studios’ decision to avoid releasing major films on a weekend when some feared the US election might spark chaos.
“Venom” has now taken in US$114.8 million domestically and US$279 million internationally in its three weeks out.
Lionsgate’s comedy-drama “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” meanwhile managed a surprise second-place showing at US$11.1 million, not a bad start for a film shot on a US$10 million shoestring.
Judy Greer plays the mother of the Herdman herd – introduced as the six “worst kids in the history of the world” – who is tricked into directing a small town’s Christmas pageant. Pete Holmes also stars in the semi-faith-based film.
A24’s new horror movie “Heretic” – featuring Hugh Grant playing very much against type – opened in third place, taking in US$11 million for the Friday-through-Sunday period.
That was “a very good opening for an original, non-series horror film…. with sensational critics’ reviews,” said industry analyst David A Gross.
“Heretic” tells the story of two Mormon missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who, while trying to convert a reclusive Englishman (Grant), stumble into a terrifying game designed to test their faith.
Universal and DreamWorks Animation’s family-friendly “The Wild Robot” extended its top-five run, taking in US$6.7 million to place fourth in its seventh week out.
And Paramount’s horror film “Smile 2” dropped two spots, taking in US$5 million. Made for US$28 million, it has earned US$60.5 million in North America.
Rounding out the top 10 were:
- “Conclave” (US$4.1 million)
- “Anora” (US$2.5 million)
- “Here” (US$2.4 million)
- “We Live in Time” (US$2.2 million)
- “Terrifier 3” (US$1.5 million)